Spiraling Tower Keeps a Tree Upright and Provides Amazing Views

In the Spanish town of Daya Vieja, a grove of six palm trees has an unusually grand support system. After a palm tree collapsed in town, architect Joaquin Alvado Bañon designed a unique way to keep the trees standing, and provide some entertainment for residents and tourists as well. The result is the Mirador del Palmeral, or "Viewpoint from the Palm Grove," a three story spiraling metal walkway.

While the Mirador certainly uses more materials, and takes up more space, than a traditional support system would, it deserves credit for bringing visitors closer to the trees and creating a pleasant experience, while performing a valuable function as well.